Effects of Salvia Miltiorrhizae on ICAM-1, TLR4, NF-κB and Bax Proteins Expression in Multiple Organs of Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis or Obstructive Jaundice

To observe the protective effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae injection on multiple organs of rats with SAP or OJ. Two hundred eighty-eight rats were used for SAP-associated experiments and OJ-associated experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control and treated group. According to the different time points after operation, the SAP rats in each group were subdivided into 3, 6 and 12 h groups while the OJ rats were divided into 7, 14, 21 and 28 days groups. The mortality rates, pathological changes and ICAM-1 (only in lung), TLR4 (only in liver), Bax and NF-κB proteins expression in multiple organs (liver, kidney, lung, intestinal mucosa, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes) were observed, respectively. The mortality rates of treated groups decreased in both SAP and OJ experiments. Compared to model control group, the pathological changes can be seen in treated groups including; (1) the pathological changes of multiple organs in SAP and OJ experiments were improved, the pathological severity scores of kidney (at 6 h), intestinal mucosa (at 12 h), spleen (at 6 and 12 h), thymus (at 3 and 6 h) and lymph nodes (at 3 and 6 h) in SAP experiment and of liver (on 21 and 28 days), lung (21 days), intestinal mucosa (on 21 and 28 days) and spleen (on 21 and 28 days) in OJ experiment significantly declined (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); (2) the positive rate of Bax protein in pancreas (at 3 h) and liver (on 6 and 12 h) in SAP experiment and in liver (on 28 days), kidney (on 21 days), and thymus (on 28 days) in OJ experiment were significantly lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); (3) the positive rate of NF-κB in liver (at 12 h) and kidney (at 6 h) in SAP experiment and in liver (on 21 days), kidney (on 28 days), intestinal mucosa (on 28 days) and thymus (on 14 days) in OJ experiment significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (4) the positive rate of ICAM-1 in lungs (at 12 h) in SAP experiment was significantly less (P < 0.05). Salvia miltiorrhizae injection can protect multiple organs of SAP or OJ rats and inhibit the expression of ICAM-1, TLR4, NF-κB and regulate Bax proteins. Salvia miltiorrhizae may relieve the inflammation response and enhance the immunity function of SAP and OJ rats. Supported by technological foundation project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang province (NO.2003C130; NO.2004C142), foundation project for medical science and technology of Zhejiang province (No.2003B134), grave foundation project for technological and development of Hangzhou (NO.2003123B19), intensive foundation project for technology of Hangzhou (NO.2004Z006), foundation project for medical science and technology of Hangzhou (No.2003A004) and foundation project for technology of Hangzhou (No.2005224) Note: We claimed that this paper was original and would not have any financial interest in a company or its competitor, and that all authors meet criteria for authorship. We abided the ethics in this animal experiment study. The ethics committee approval of our hospital was secured for the animal study reported, and all rats have not been abused and executive mercy killing when the observing time in this study was over.     

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhizae on Pulmonary Apoptosis of Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis or Obstructive Jaundice

To investigate the effect of apoptosis about Salvia miltiorrhizae injection on the lungs of SAP and OJ rats. Total 288 rats were used for SAP-associated experiments and OJ-associated experiments, respectively. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control and treated group. According to the difference of time points after operation, the SAP rats in each group were subdivided into 3, 6 and 12 h groups while the OJ rats were divided into 7, 14, 21 and 28 days groups. The pathological changes, expression levels of Bax protein and apoptotic indexes in the lungs of SAP or OJ rats were observed, and the mortality rates of SAP or OJ rats were recorded, respectively. The numbers of dead SAP and OJ rats in treated groups declined. The pathological changes in the lungs of SAP or OJ rats in treated groups were relieved to varying degrees. There was no marked difference in pathological severity scores and the positive staining intensity of Bax protein between treated groups and model control groups (all P > 0.05). Salvia miltiorrhizae has some protective effect on the lungs of rats with SAP or OJ which may be related apoptosis although our results can not find significant difference between treated groups and model control groups.     

Efficacy and Mechanism of Salvia Miltiorrhizae Injection in the Treatment of Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

To study the efficacy and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhizae injection in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. SAP rat models were prepared and randomly divided into model control group and treated group. The sham-operated group was also set. At 3, 6 and 12 h after operation, the mortality rate, ascitic volumes, pathological changes in the pancreas, contents of amylase and endotoxin in plasma as well as IL-6, IL-18, ET-1 and NO in serum, the staining intensity of Bax and NF-κB p56 proteins, and the changes in apoptosis index of pancreatic cells in rats in each group were observed. The pathological severity scores (at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation), contents of plasma endotoxin (at 6 and 12 h after operation) and serum IL-6 (at 6 and 12 h after operation) were significantly lower than those in model control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively); the staining intensity and the product of the staining intensity and positive staining rate of Bax protein in the pancreas were significanly higher than those in model control group (P < 0.01). Salvia miltiorrhizae is able to reduce the contents of plasma endotoxin and serum IL-6, promote the expression of Bax protein in pancreas, improve the pathological changes in the pancreas, and decrease the mortality rate of rats, thereby showing therapeutic effect on rats with SAP. Supported by technological foundation project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang province (no. 2003C130; no. 2004C142), foundation project for medical science and technology of Zhejiang province (no. 2003B134), grave foundation project for technological and development of Hangzhou (no. 2003123B19), intensive foundation project for technology of Hangzhou (no. 2004Z006), foundation project for medical science and technology of Hangzhou (no. 2003A004) and foundation project for technology of Hangzhou (no. 2005224) We claimed that this paper was original and would not have any financial interest in a company or its competitor, and that all authors meet standard for authorship. We abided the ethics in this animal experiment study. The ethics committee approval of our hospital was secured for the animal study reported, and all rats have not been abused and executive mercy killing when the observing time in this study was over.     

Effects of Dexamethasone and Salvia miltiorrhizae on the Small Intestine and Immune Organs of Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

To observe the protecting effects and mechanisms of Dexamethasone and Salviae miltiorrhizae on intestinal mucosa and immune organs (spleen, thymus and lymph node) in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, Dexamethasone treated group and Salviae miltiorrhizae treated group. At 3, 6 and 12 h after operation, the mortality rate, pathological changes of intestinal mucosa and immune organs as well as the contents of serum PAF, IL-1β and sIL-2R were observed, respectively. The mortality rate and the contents of PAF (at 3 and 6 h), IL-1β (at all time points) and sIL-2R (at 3 and 6 h) as well as the pathological scores of thymus (at all time points) and spleen (at 3 h) in Dexamethasone treated group were significantly lower than those in model contrlo groups (P < 0.05). The contents of PAF (at 3 and 12 h), IL-1β (at 6 and 12 h) and sIL-2R (at 3 and 6 h) as well as the pathological scores of thymus (at all time points) and spleen (at 3 and 12 h) in Salviae miltiorrhizae treated group were markedly lower than those in model contrlo groups (P < 0.05). Since both Dexamethasone and Salvia miltiorrhizae can reduce the contents of serum PAF, sIL-2R and IL-1β, mitigate the pathological changes in the small intestine, spleen and thymus and reduce the mortality rate of SAP rats, they show good therapeutic effects on SAP rats.     

Influence of Baicalin and Octreotide on NF-κB and P-Selectin Expression in Liver and Kidney of Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

To observe the influence of Baicalin and Octreotide on liver and kidney of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and discuss the related mechanism. SAP rats were randomly divided into model control, Baicalin treated and Octreotide treated group (n = 45). The same number of normal rats were included in sham-operated group (n = 45). In all groups, the mortality rate, pathological changes as well as expression levels of NF-κB p65 and P-selectin protein in liver and kidney were observed at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation. The survival rate of treated group was 100% at 12 h significantly higher than that of model control group (P < 0.05). The pathological changes of liver and kidney in treated groups were alleviated to different degrees, the NF-κB protein expression levels and pathological severity scores in liver and kidney of treated groups were significantly lower than those of model control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). The hepatic P-selectin protein expression level in Baicalin treated group was significantly lower than that of model control group at 3 h (P < 0.01), and renal P-selectin expression level in Baicalin treated group at 3 and 6 h were significantly lower than those of model control group and Octreotide treated group (P < 0.01). (1) Early treatment with Baicalin or Octreotide have obvious protecting effects on liver and kidney injuries in SAP with their mechanisms associated to inhibiting NF-κB and P-selectin expression of liver and kidney. (2) Comparing the pharmacologic effects of Octreotide and Baicalin, we believe Baicalin as a new drug with its protecting effects on liver and kidney of SAP rats similar to Octreotide is worth further studying. (3) The advantages of tissue microarrays in pathological examination include time and energy saving and highly efficient. But the restriction of small diameter weakens the representation of tissues to various extents, which may lead to the deviation of analysis. Supported by Technological Foundation Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang Province, NO. 2003C130 and NO. 2004C142; Foundation Project for Medical Science and Technology of Zhejiang province, NO. 2003B134; Grave Foundation Project for Technological and Development of Hangzhou, NO. 2003123B19; Intensive Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou, NO. 2004Z006; Foundation Project for Medical Science and Technology of Hangzhou, NO.2003A004; and Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou, NO. 2005224 Note: We claimed that this paper was original and would not have any financial interest in a company or its competitor, and that all authors meet criteria for authorship. We abided the ethics in this animal experiment study. The ethics committee approval of our hospital was secured for the animal study reported, and all rats have not been abused and executive mercifully killing when the observing time in this study was over.     

Research on scutellarin parenteral solution's protective effects in rats with severe acute pancreatitis and multiple organ injuries

The aim of this study was to observe scutellarin parenteral solution’s therapeutic effects and mechanisms in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). We divided SD rats into four groups randomly: (1) sham-operated group, (2) model control group, (3) scutellarin-treated group, and (4) Salvia miltiorrhiza-treated group. All of those rats in the abovementioned groups are randomly subdivided into 6 and 12 h subgroups, respectively, according to the postoperative time. Rats have been mercifully killed at different time after operation, and then detected their serum amylase, contents of ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr and observed the pathologic changes of multiple organs (pancreas, liver, kidneys, and lungs). We found that the survival rates have no marked differences (P < 0.05) between model control group and two treated groups at any time points. AST and BUN serum contents have no marked difference (P > 0.05). ALT serum contents in S. miltiorrhiza-treated group (6 and 12 h) and scutellarin-treated group (12 h) are obviously less than those in model control group (P < 0.05). The serum contents of Cr and amylase in scutellarin-treated group (6 h) are obviously less than those in model control group (P < 0.05). There is a different degree of relief on the pathologic changes of multiple organs in the two treated groups compared with those in model control group, of which pancreas and liver’s pathologic severity scores in scutellarin-treated group (6 and 12 h) have reduced (P < 0.01) significantly compared with those in the model control group. However, there are no significant differences between scutellarin-treated group and S. miltiorrhiza-treated group (P > 0.05). We think the scutellarin parenteral solution has a certain protective effect on SAP rats’ multiple organ injuries.     

Effects of caffeine extract from kola nut on body weight, hematology, sperm reserve and serum enzyme activities in albino rats

This study investigated the effects of caffeine extract from kola nut on body weight, hematological indices, serum enzyme activities, and testicular morphology and function in male albino rats. Ten rats from a total of 58 rats used for this study were used for the assessment of baseline body weight, hematological indices, serum enzyme, and sperm reserve values. Later, three groups of 12 rats (groups A, B, and C) received 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight dose levels of caffeine extract daily, respectively, via the intraperitoneal route for 30 days. The group D rats (n = 12) served as the control and received no caffeine extract treatment. Administration of caffeine extract from kola nut in rats led to significant (P < 0.05) reduction in mean body weight, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin concentration. Mean total leukocyte count did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in the three treatment groups relative to the control. Increasing the dose levels of the caffeine extract (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P < 0.05) elevated the mean aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase values. Exposing rats to graded dose levels of caffeine extract led to a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in both gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves. Liver sections of rats that received 30 mg/kg body weight of caffeine extract revealed enlarged portal ducts with cellular proliferation around the portal duct. The results of this study have not only shown the adverse effects of caffeine extract from kola nut in rats but have also provided additional knowledge and information to the existing pathophysiological implication of caffeine intake.     

Time Course of Endotoxin-Induced Airways’ Inflammation in Healthy Subjects

Few data are available on the kinetic of the airways’ inflammation induced by inhaled endotoxin in a given subject. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in healthy subjects the time-related endotoxin-induced airways’ inflammation. The cells counts from the induced-sputum were evaluated before, 6 and 24 h, and 7 days after an exposure to 20 mcg inhaled endotoxin, in eight pre-selected volunteers. To avoid interference of the induced-sputum procedure on the response to endotoxin, each time-point was evaluated in randomized order at 2-weeks interval after three separate inhalations of endotoxin. A significant rise of the relative number of lymphocytes (p < 0.05) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN; p < 0.02) and of the absolute number of PMN (p < 0.05) occurring at 6 h, followed by an increase of the absolute number of the total viable cells (p < 0.01), macrophages (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.01), and lymphocytes (p < 0.05) at 24 h after endotoxin inhalation. The inflammatory response recovered totally after 7 days. In human beings, the inhalation of endotoxin induced a transient airway inflammation after 6 h, peaked at 24 h and recovered after 7 days. When repeated endotoxin inhalations are used as a model of inflammation, a wash-out period of at least 7 days should be applied between each exposure in each subject.     

Expression and Functional Analysis of Toll-Like Receptors of Peripheral Blood Cells in Asthmatic Patients: Implication for Immunopathological Mechanism in Asthma

Background  We investigated the expression profile of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and TLR ligand-activated production profile of asthma-related inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic patients. The expression of TLR1–8 on monocytes, CD4+ T helper lymphocytes, CD8+ T cytotoxic lymphocytes, CD19+ B lymphocytes, and dendritic cells, and ex vivo production of cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells activated by TLR ligands were measured by flow cytometry. Discussion  Ex vivo productions of TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β by TLR4 and TLR5 ligand LPS and flagellin were significantly lower in asthmatic patients (all P < 0.05). Expression of TLR4 and TLR5 was also found to be significantly lower in asthmatic patients when compared to that of control subjects (all P < 0.05). Therefore, the decreased activation of TLR4 and TLR5 in asthmatic patients might contribute to the immunopathological mechanisms of asthma by reducing the release of Th1 and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Samantha W. M. Lun and C. K. Wong contributed equally to this study.     

Endurance training enhances ABCA1 expression in rat small intestine

The purpose of this study was to investigate liver and intestinal ABCA1 expression and plasma HDL-C level in response to treadmill-running training in rats. Twenty adult Wistar male rats (17–18 weeks old, 300–322 g) were divided into control (n = 10) and Training (n = 10) groups. Training group trained at 25 m/min (0% grade) for 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. Rats were killed 48 h after the last session of training. The intestinal and liver ABCA1 mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in trained compared to control group (P < 0.006 and P < 0.024, respectively). Intestine and liver ATP concentrations remained unchanged. Plasma HDL-C, HDL2-C, Apo A-1, pre-β HDL-C concentration, LCAT activity, TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio significantly increased in trained group (P < 0.01, P < 0.006, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 P < 0.067, P < 0.02, and P < 0.03, respectively). However, other lipoprotein concentrations were unchanged. In conclusion, we found that endurance training induced significant elevation in plasma HDL-C and HDL2-C concentrations, accompanied by higher plasma Apo A-1, pre-β HDL-C concentrations, LCAT activity and ABCA1 mRNA expressions in rat intestine, and liver.     

A critical analysis of three quantitative methods of assessment of hepatic steatosis in liver biopsies

The issue of adequately quantitatively evaluating hepatic steatosis is still unresolved. Therefore, we compared three methods of quantitative assessment. Two groups of mice (n = 10 each) were fed standard chow (10% fat, SC group) or a high-fat diet (60% fat, HF group) for 16 weeks, and hepatic triglyceride (HT) and liver tissue were then studied. Paraplast-embedded tissues stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) were compared to frozen sections stained by Oil Red-O (ORO). In addition, the volume density of steatosis (Vv[steatosis, liver]) was measured by point counting (P-C, sections H-E or ORO) or by image analysis (I-A, sections ORO). HT was significantly higher in the HF group (104% greater, P = 0.0004) than in the SC group. With P-C and H-E, Vv[steatosis, liver] was 4.80 ± 0.90% in the SC group and 33.50 ± 3.17% in the HF group (600% greater, P < 0.0001). With P-C and ORO, Vv[steatosis, liver] was 4.86 ± 0.89% in the SC group and 25.21 ± 1.27% in the HF group (420% greater, P < 0.0001). With I-A and ORO, Vv[steatosis, liver] was 4.17 ± 0.85% in the SC group and 23.35 ± 1.58% in the HF group (460% greater, P < 0.0001). Correlations between Vv[steatosis, liver] and HT were strong and significant in all methods. In conclusion, all methods were appropriate and reproducible. In P-C and H-E, there is a slight overestimation of steatosis in the HF animals in comparison to frozen sections and ORO; in frozen sections, differences between P-C and I-A are insignificant.     

Serum and hepatic lipid levels in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei, Federe strain, caused an acute infection in rats after intraperitoneal inoculation of 10⁶ trypanosomes. Parasitemia occurred from day 3 post-infection (pi) with peak parasitemia from day 7 pi. Anemia was observed between days 7 and 11 pi. The serum triglyceride concentration was comparable with the control value on day 7 pi, but increased (P < 0.05) above the control value on day 11 pi. The serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol concentrations decreased (P < 0.0.05) when compared with the control values on days 7 and 11 pi. The LDL cholesterol decreased more on day 11 than day 7 pi. The liver content of triglycerides and total cholesterol decreased (P < 0.05) during the infection from control values on days 7 and 11 pi. The decrease in hepatic triglyceride concentration was more on day 11 than day 7 pi, while the hepatic total cholesterol content decreased to comparable extents on days 7 and 11 pi. Hepatic LDL cholesterol content was unaffected on day 7 pi, but decreased (P < 0.05) on day 11 pi. The content of HDL cholesterol in the liver did not vary (P > 0.05) significantly during the infection. It was concluded that the decreased hepatic contents of these lipids were consistent with the serum lipid concentration, which did not seem to favor lipid uptake by hepatocytes.     

The pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX-4 for colorectal liver metastases: a comparative study

FOLFOX-4 (folinic acid/5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin) chemotherapy is used to treat patients with colorectal liver metastases. We aimed to assess hepatic histopathological responses to neoadjuvant FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases. We selected all patients (n = 54) treated with FOLFOX-4 for colorectal liver metastases between June 2002 and June 2005. Only 25 underwent hepatectomy and formed the study group. Histological responses were assessed in the study group and a matched control group (n = 25) that did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The median (IQR) body mass index in the study and control groups was 24 (22–26) and 24 (23–25) kg/m², respectively, (P = NS). Complete histological resolution of tumour occurred in six (24%) patients in the study group. Median residual tumour cellularity was less (35 vs 70%) and fibrosis greater (50 vs 5%) in patients in the study group when compared with controls (P < 0.001). The liver surrounding the tumour was steatotic in 17 (68%) patients in the study group and five (20%) controls (P = 0.001). Hepatic sinusoidal dilatation was more pronounced in patients in the study group than in controls (P < 0.001). The response to FOLFOX-4 was associated with tumour necrosis, fibrosis and inflammation. More than two thirds of patients undergoing hepatectomy after FOLFOX-4 had steatosis despite being non-obese.     

Hepatoprotective Effect of Infliximab,an Anti-TNF-α Agent,on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis

To assess the effect of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agent, on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Rats were randomized into three groups (n = 9). The control group received only intraperitoneal (i.p.) olive oil. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by repeated i.p. injections of 1.5 ml/kg CCl₄ (1:3 mixture with olive oil) for 5 weeks in the remaining two groups which were also injected subcutaneous saline or 2 mg/kg infliximab. Infliximab reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05 for both). The scores of hepatic necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin were lower in the infliximab-treated group than the CCI₄-treated group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in terms of liver tissue and plasma malondialdehyde, and serum TNF-α levels, while infliximab relatively reduced the level of transforming growth factor-β₁ (373.0 ± 153.1 vs. 280.8 ± 127.1 pg/ml). Treatment with infliximab attenuated the necro-inflammation and fibrogenesis in the CCI₄-induced hepatic fibrosis, and thus it might be effective as a therapeutic anti-fibrotic agent.     

Changes in sex hormones and offspring sex ratio following gasoline exposure in male rats

An experimental study was performed to determine the effect of gasoline inhalation on sex hormones and offspring sex ratio in male rats. Twenty two Sprague–Dawley adult male rats were divided into two groups. In the first group (n = 11), animals were exposed to gasoline vapor for 6 h daily for 30 consecutive days. The second group served as control without gasoline exposure. In the end of the study, sex hormones including total testosterone, luteinizing hormone and, follicle-stimulating hormone were determined using radioimmunoassay methods. Then, animals in both groups were mated with healthy unexposed female rats and sex of offspring was determined after birth. Results showed that the level of all sex hormones was significantly decreased in test group compared with control ones (P < 0.02). Offspring sex ratio was 0.39 (38/96) in the test group, significantly lower than 0.54 (60/101) in the control group (P = 0.03). The potential of manipulating offspring sex ratio through a simple, safe, and practical method would be an interesting subject. The results of the present study could provide a baseline for future research on this subject.     

In vivo evaluation of the improved MCMS-0102 pacemaker with a rapid pacing mode for induction of experimental heart failure in animals

The MCMS-0102 cardiac pacemaker for rapid ventricular pacing to induce heart failure in animals has been improved in terms of miniaturization and performance. To determine the performance of the new MCMS-0102, six devices were implanted in beagle dogs, and two of these devices were reimplanted for continued pacing in a total of eight beagle dogs. The hearts were paced at 260 beats per minute for 4 weeks (P group: n = 8). The hemodynamic status of the P group was examined and compared with nonpaced dogs (NP group: n = 8). The neurohumoral status of the P group was evaluated before and after rapid pacing. Stable operation of the six devices during rapid pacing was confirmed using the telemetry system. Postmortem examinations revealed features similar to clinical heart failure characterized by massive ascites, pleural effusion, cardiomegaly, and liver congestion in all the paced dogs. Cardiac output was 1.1 ± 0.2 l/min in the NP group and 0.5 ± 0.1 l/min in the P group (P < 0.0001). The left atrial pressure and the central venous pressure of the P group and the NP group were 23 ± 6 versus 6 ± 2 mmHg (P < 0.0001) and 10 ± 3 versus 4 ± 3 mmHg (P < 0.001), respectively. In the paced dogs, plasma renin activity increased from 0.5 ± 0.4 to 8.5 ± 7.4 ng/ml/h (P < 0.05) and atrial natriuretic peptide levels increased from 69 ± 41 to 229 ± 72 pg/ml (P < 0.001). The improved MCMS-0102 was successfully implanted in beagle dogs and it succeeded in inducing the congestive heart failure model.     

Circulating Cytokine Levels in Acute Pancreatitis—Model of SIRS/CARS Can Help in the Clinical Assessment of Disease Severity

The aim of our study was to evaluate the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine response during acute pancreatitis and its predictive value on severity of disease. A hospital-based prospective clinical study was conducted. Twenty patients with acute pancreatitis were enrolled during a 12-month period. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined at days 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9. The patient population was analyzed by type of acute pancreatitis. Severity was defined according to the Atlanta criteria for assessing severity of acute pancreatitis. Clinical variables were recorded to patients classified in one of two groups: severe acute pancreatitis (SAP group) and mild acute pancreatitis (MILD group). Patients with SAP had significantly higher average levels of IL-6 compared to the MILD group patients (539.2 pg/L vs. 23.4 pg/L, p < 0.0001). Also, the values of IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with SAP (242.4 pg/L vs. 8.1 pg/L, p = 0.003). The values of TNF-α were not significantly different in both groups. The value of IL-6 and IL-10 showed a positive correlation (r = 0.7964, p < 0.0001). Although a relatively small sample of patients was used, we can conclude that the determination of the value of IL-6 and IL-10 can help in the clinical assessment of disease severity.